Robert Lambert, president of York County Libraries, is leading efforts to expand the role of libraries in his community. Lambert grew up in York County and began his connection to libraries as a teenage intern at Martin Library. His early experiences taught him about both the educational and community impact that libraries can have.
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and earning degrees from York College of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh, Lambert returned to York County. He has spent over 25 years working within a library system that now includes 13 branches and five satellite locations.
Lambert holds a master’s degree in public administration from Pennsylvania State University and completed an executive education program in social entrepreneurship at Stanford University. These qualifications have influenced his approach to leadership.
In 2013, Lambert founded LibrariesFeed, a nonprofit organization that addresses childhood hunger by providing healthy meals alongside literacy programs. The initiative has served more than 10,000 young people considered at risk.
He has also established partnerships with schools and online education programs to extend library services further into the community. Under his guidance, York County Libraries launched a $10 million capital campaign focused on expanding technology resources for youth and adapting services to meet changing needs.
Lambert emphasizes the importance of early literacy, stating: “It takes 1,000 days to build a brain,” and adding: “Every child in our county deserves a chance to achieve their dreams. We’re going to give them that chance.”
In 2024, more than 650,000 visits were recorded across York County’s libraries. However, Lambert notes that success is not just about attendance numbers. “It’s about how we grow people,” he says, “and how we connect them to services and resources that help them thrive.”
